Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play-Chapter 870 - 846: Interrogation
Fang Chuning’s funeral was low-key yet solemn. Aside from Fang Family relatives, no outsiders were invited. Since there was no body, Fang Family erected a burial mound as a symbolic resting place and solace. Fengyu, somewhat distracted in the deep palace, was actually worried that something might go wrong during the funeral. With the Grand Marshal in the capital, others likely wouldn’t act inappropriately. Moreover, Fang Chuning had died heroically in battle, and his affair with Xie Jue had been settled in court. Though rumors among the populace couldn’t be controlled, no one from the clan would dare cause trouble. Even though the Li Family and Fang Family didn’t get along, they wouldn’t dare stir up trouble as the Li Family’s status in the new dynasty had greatly declined, making it unlikely they’d challenge Xie Xun’s authority.
Xie Jue had been in the palace accompanying Ruyi, reading, and playing, asking about Ming Zhu’s studies, seemingly oblivious to outside affairs, his demeanor unchanged, able to eat and sleep. The more he acted this way, the more worried Fengyu became.
Lin Helin received orders to handle the peace talks, negotiating the details with Han Ziqi. Han Ziqi wanted to meet Xie Xun but couldn’t; he could only consult with the cabinet. Xie Xun hadn’t even invited Han Ziqi to a formal royal banquet. Han Ziqi knew the Sannan High Priest had greatly offended Beining, and he received poor treatment in the Beining Capital. He hadn’t expected Xie Xun to really disregard etiquette, leaving him on the sidelines.
He had requested to see Xie Xun several times, but was rejected.
Except for signing the surrender document, he likely wouldn’t see him. Han Ziqi straightforwardly agreed to sign the surrender document. Thus, the overall peace arrangement with Sannan was set, and next was for the cabinet to assign officials to take up positions in Sannan.
Xie Xun reviewed the conditions Lin Helin had organized for the peace talks, which were better than expected before the mission departed. The army would enter Sannan’s territory on a large scale; now the question was which troops to send over!
After consulting with the cabinet, Lin Helin discussed further with Xie Xun, hoping to reassign the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry and Beiman Army, allowing a mixed army to station in Sannan for defense.
Xie Xun considered it feasible, yet such a large-scale reassignment might present significant challenges for both sides. After all, the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry and the Beiman Army had fought for so many years, new grudges entangled with old ones. It’s uncertain if issues would arise. Lin Helin thought this was the quickest way to improve cooperation, enhancing their sense of belonging. By moving part of the army to Sannan, unrest in the Twelve States could be reduced by at least half. With Beining stable, the development focus of the Twelve States must remain unperturbed. Therefore, if the Beiman influence in the Twelve States was weakened, it would aid stability. Sending the able-bodied to Sannan would naturally diminish their combat strength.
The royal arrangement aimed to curtail their power, and the Beiman couldn’t refuse. The Beiman Army also sought a sense of belonging in Beining.
"All right, I will discuss strategies with the generals, trying to devise a solution."
Deciding who would be responsible for heading to Sannan was also a major issue, and Xie Jue hadn’t settled on the best candidates.
"Your Majesty, do you wish to see Han Ziqi?" Lin Helin asked. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖
Xie Xun refraining from seeing Han Ziqi was indeed unconventional. Xie Xun, aware of the situation, did not overly insist, agreeing to meet Han Ziqi. He and Han Ziqi might as well be considered rivals. Xie Xun first met Han Ziqi in Liuzhou when he was a fledgling and ended up as adversaries. Han Ziqi was fiery-tempered, and sought revenge for grievances. At that time, the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry relied on Sannan’s grain supplies. Xie Xun was still the young heir of Marquis Zhenbei Mansion, and Han Ziqi stood proud before him. Even after Xie Xun outsmarted him, Han Ziqi dared to venture to Shangjing seeking vengeance wanting to kill Xie Xun to settle scores. Back then, Han Ziqi had no fear of offending Marquis Zhenbei Mansion; he was untouchable.
Now, circumstances have changed drastically!
Han Ziqi, upon seeing Xie Xun, needed to kneel in salute. When the Xie Family defected from the Capital City, the King of Sannan predicted that the lurking dragon would eventually resurface, assured that the soul of the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry remained intact and would eventually return to overhaul the dynastic regime. Han Ziqi was indifferent at the time, believing the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry was scattered without Marquis Zhenbei and Xie Zhang. How could Xie Xun and Xie Jue, lacking wealth and legitimacy, succeed? Even upon meeting Xie Xun in West State, he doubted Xie Xun would ascend to emperor. Han Ziqi admitted he had misjudged, underestimating the cohesion of the Marquis Mansion and the capabilities of Xie Xun and Xie Jue.
Han Ziqi was someone adaptable. In his prime, he would chase Xie Xun relentlessly, yet now, relying on others, he could humble himself, respectfully bowing and hailing "Long live the King."
Xie Xun found it amusing, not feeling any satisfaction from venting pent-up frustration.
"I’ve heard from General Lin that King Han wishes to settle in the Capital City?" Xie Xun mused. That would be convenient, having him in the Capital as a hostage, always under his watchful eye, offering numerous ways to handle him.
Han Ziqi wanted to settle in the Capital as the King of Sannan was alive, so he expressed willingness to remain as a hostage like Prince Jingbei in the City, though it wasn’t proposed by Xie Xun or Xie Jue. His proactive gesture was for the best, ultimately beneficial. Given Xie Xun’s immense responsibilities, he obviously wouldn’t have time to bother him, only requiring a leisurely princely heir in current times. He was a pillar of the Royal Family and naturally couldn’t reside in the Capital.
Han Ziqi said, "Grateful for Your Majesty’s favor, for considering a residence in the capital for me and my family. Being the family’s pillar, I have elders above and youngsters below. Being accustomed to the southern climate, they might find it hard to adapt to the northern environment. I wish to remain in Mudan City to care for my family and fulfill filial duties. I kindly request Your Majesty’s permission."
Xie Xun snorted with disappointment.
"Well, I’ve already chosen a residence. If King Han fails to appreciate my kind intention, I would be greatly disheartened!" Xie Xun remarked coldly, fixing his gaze on him.
Han Ziqi understood Xie Xun’s implication, already clear about it when he came for an audience. "My eldest son is six this year; I request that he be granted the title of princely heir so that he may stay in the Capital to serve the throne. What’s Your Majesty’s view?"
Xie Xun sneered; among Han Ziqi’s sons over five years old was only this eldest. Lin Xiao mentioned his mother was Han Ziqi’s childhood sweetheart, though Han Ziqi, being quite amorous and having a multitude of women, not many bore children. This main wife had two sons and two daughters, accounting for half of Han Ziqi’s offspring. When in Mudan City, Han Ziqi personally educated his princely heir, demonstrating loyalty.
"Very well!" Xie Xun chuckled softly, "Rest assured, King Han, the Empress and I will properly educate the princely heir. Once he comes of age, he is free to choose his own future."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Han Ziqi, though inwardly resentful, had to bow his head under such circumstances—paying the price for offending Xie Jue and Fang Chuning’s death. The High Priest was mainly to blame, but the royal family couldn’t escape responsibility. Originally, if things went smoothly without the High Priest’s rebellion, he wouldn’t have needed to leave his son alone in the Capital. His son, left as a hostage, nearly became a useless pawn, his most favored child in whom he had high hopes.
"Lin Xiao said when he and Prince Yan fought back to Chaoyang Palace, blood was already flowing like a river. You and the High Priest, along with the royals, had already left Chaoyang Palace. When did you last see Fang Chuning?" Xie Xun asked gravely.
